What is Polyvagal Informed Therapy?
Polyvagal Informed Therapy is a therapy which is informed by the understanding of Polyvagal Theory, a theory which was introduced to the scientific community in 1995 by distinguished university scientist Dr Stephen Porges . Polyvagal Informed Therapy provides a neurobiological (brain and body) understanding of the structure and hierarchy of the nervous system. It helps us to understand why we feel the way we do, based on the evolution of our biology. The theory explains how when we experience stress or trauma that our bodies enter into states of defence, which results in psychological and physiological symptoms.
What kind of conditions or symptoms would require a Polyvagal approach?
Any and all. Polyvagal Theory provides an understanding of what we refer to as nervous system dysregulation, that is, an inability to effectively manage our emotional responses. As psychological research and therapy has evolved over time, we have come to label nervous system dysregulation as mental health disorder. Any disorder/condition/symptom can be understood within the context of the neurobiology of our nervous system.
How does a Polyvagal Informed approach benefit the client?
In the first instance, it helps to reduce shame and blame, as it educates clients on what is actually happening inside their body, and how the brain and body sends and receives information, which leads to the experience of certain emotions and bodily sensations. It lets the client know that their body is responding exactly as it should to simply try and protect them from perceived or actual threat. It helps the client to understand why they feel the way they do, so it doesn’t feel as confusing or distressing and it challenges the idea that there is “something wrong” with them. A Polyvagal Informed approach also provides the client with tools and exercises to help regulate their nervous system and bring them into a state of calm and safety. Once the client learns how to regulate their nervous system, they are then more able (psychologically and physiologically) to engage in other therapeutic approaches, such as CBT, which requires accessibility to higher brain functions (such as the pre-frontal cortex). When we are in a state of distress our higher brain functions are less accessible (they go offline, so to speak) so it is much harder for us to challenge the way we are thinking about a particular problem or issue.
What is Polyvagal Informed EMDR? How does it differ from standard EMDR?
Polyvagal Informed EMDR is an integrated treatment approach which combines standard EMDR Therapy and Polyvagal Informed approaches. The eight phases of standard EMDR therapy are adapted to include nervous system education and regulation techniques. It focusses on helping the client to identify what nervous system state they are in and introduce ways to regulate their nervous system which enables them to engage in the EMDR memory processing which can sometimes be difficult and distressing due to the nature of the trauma memory or negative experience being processed. From my clinical perspective, Polyvagal Informed EMDR puts safety and regulation first, so that EMDR memory processing feels manageable for the client, provides them with a sense of agency over their feelings and helps them to understand the structure and function of their brain and body.
What is it that interests you in Polyvagal informed Therapy and EMDR?
Polyvagal Informed Therapy and EMDR are psychotherapeutic approaches which spark excitement and ignite my soul. I will never not be surprised and in awe of the positive effects these approaches can have on us as human beings. Time and time again I have witnessed the innate healing power of the nervous system in my clinical sessions. As I explain it to clients, these approaches get into the cell structure of the body (for want of a better phrase), they work with brain and body to provide a holistic approach to healing. These approaches can access the parts of a person’s psyche that traditional talking therapies sometimes struggle to access. Its one thing to know logically and rationally “I am a good enough person” it is another to believe this at a visceral and bodily level. EMDR and Polyvagal Informed therapy can help to do that. I’ve witnessed it. And that is why I advocate for and very much enjoy providing these approaches.
Written by Chloe Harrison – Ple Health Clinician
